Upper Badlands AI and Blockchain Energy Hub
Upper Badlands is developing a cutting-edge AI and blockchain energy hub near Lindsay, Montana. Powered by 400 MW of wind, 375 MW of natural gas, 200 MW of solar, and 50 MW of battery backup, the facility will support advanced bitcoin and AI operations with sustainable and reliable energy. This well-supported project has been under development for seven years.
The data center can be an as-built construction project
with financial partners from London, England, or Madrid, Spain.
LOCAL IMPACT
Located in Eastern Montana, this energy project will provide property tax revenue to Dawson County and provide 50-60 permanent positions upon completion.
STABLE SUPPLY
This type of project illustrates the integration of renewable energy and natural gas facilities with high-demand computing operations to ensure a stable, efficient, renewable power supply— all within this project footprint.
ENVIRONMENTAL
As of 2019, Upper Badlands and consultants have engaged in extensive environmental impact studies including ground, aerial and two years of eagle surveys.
AI & Bitcoin Energy Facility in Eastern Montana
Supporting the energy needs of AI data centers and Bitcoin mining operations
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Upper Badlands Energy Hub, Inc. President John S. Husar and son Johnny S. Husar VP, are currently in intensive pre-development phases of the AI / Blockchain Data Center in Dawson County. Located near Glendive, Montana, the project will be connected to the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) control area which includes access to Basin Electric located in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Upper Badlands Quick Facts
Upper Badlands will update this site to ensure public project information is readily available.
Site Lands
The project has leased property from area ranchers for development. The project has access to purchase 3 locations of up to 360 acres for the data center.
Turbines
The plans include the installation of up to 93 turbines generating approximately 2.3 million MWh per year.
High Speed Interconnection Accessibility
Third party consultants have determined up to four separate data transfer routes of high speed/quality fiber optics, providing optimal redundancies. Project engineering consultants have designed a high-speed interconnection hub at the site.
Natural Gas Facilities
Two – 175mw Natural Gas Turbines manufactured by MHI Gas Turbines Factory Savannah, Georgia will be part of the project.
Wind Energy Data
The project is backed by nearly 36 months of wind data. The data has yielded consistent quality wind speeds of 8.7 m/s and a capacity factor of 56.25%.
Estimated Property Taxes
Property tax paid to Dawson County could be over $28 million for the first 10 years of the project.
Environmental Studies
Biological consultants have been conducting avian, bat, and wildlife surveys/studies for 2 years to ensure compliance with U.S Fish & Wildlife and Montana Fish and Game requirements.
Job Opportunities
Up to 250 workers will work onsite during construction, providing area jobs to Eastern Montana. Several local contractors are planned to work on the project. Up to 60 full-time permanent employees will be hired for ongoing facility management.
Project Details
Wind energy projects like Upper Badlands require a tremendous amount of research and development before the project is viable. Explore our project details below.
Development Team
Upper Badlands is developed by a team of experienced partners both local and national.
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John S. Husar, CEO
Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Rocky Mountain College, Billings, Montana. Owner/Developer Renewable Energy Projects with over 300/mw of wind energy built or under construction. 20 years of wind development project experience.
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John S. Husar Jr., PM
Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Montana State University Bozeman, Montana. Associate Project Developer. 10 years of renewable wind development project experience.
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Jim Collins, CFO
Bachelor of Science Accounting, California State University Northridge, Los Angels, California Certified Public Accountant Licensed in California and Montana. 1991 to Present.
